The resurrection of the Dead, Part 3

The resurrection on the last day will include all of the dead, both the just and the unjust (John 5:28; Acts 24:15; Revelation 20:12-13). There is no indication in Scripture that the wicked will be annihilated by death. Nor does God's word teach that the resurrection of the just and the unjust will occur at different times. The resurrection spoken of in Scripture will occur in the context of Christ's second coming, and it will be followed immediately by the final judgment. The just and the unjust will arise simultaneously, and all will stand before the judgment throne of God to receive the verdict of eternal life or eternal punishment (Daniel 12:2; Matthew 25:31-32, 41-46; John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:13). The "first resurrection" spoken of in Revelation 20:5-6 refers to those who during their lives on earth did not worship "the beast of his image" (Revelation 20:4) but have "passed" from spiritual death to spiritual life through conversion (John 5:24-26). They are "blessed and holy," and after their death "they came to life and reigned with Christ" and the second death has no power over them (Revelation 20:4-6).

The devil will arise with their bodies. The same bodies that died will be brought back to life (Job 19:26-27; Isaiah 26:19). The identity of every individual who lived will be preserved in death. Moreover, that individual will appear in human form, as the clear precedent of Scripture indicates. Moses and Elijah on tge Mount of Transfiguration are the same persons who lived and served God in the Old Testament (Matthew 17:2-4). After his resurrection the Savior identifies himself as the one who was nailed to the cross and pierced with a spear. The risen Chrust has a human form that can be recognized and touched by his disciples. He had hands and feet, flesh and bones (Luke 24:39).

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